The German government is reportedly weighing up bringing back compulsory mask wearing in public places from October to March over fears the world-renowned Oktoberfest, as well as the winter months, could spark a new Covid wave. According to German publication Die Welt, the plans involve mask wearing in bars, restaurants and shops in a move which is likely to be very unpopular with the population.
Germany is still regularly recording more than 100 deaths to Covid daily. Last autumn, when Germany was recording fewer deaths due to Covid, Oktoberfest - which would normally attract six million people from across the globe - was cancelled entirely by the German authorities.
According to German media the apparent plans are now known as the “O-bis-O” (Oktober bis Ostern) scheme, which refers to motoring regulations which require drivers to put winter tyres on their cars during the colder months.
